Vol.3 Ch.202 Making a Scene.

Vol.3 Ch.202 Making a Scene.

The sky was starting to become a bit overcast this morning while the rest of the party slowly made their way out of the inn.

General Douglas wasn't happy to see a crowd of locals hovering around them. He wanted to be incognito for the trip back to the capital. But his plans went up in smoke ever since he challenged and lost to Lady Rya. It was hard not to draw attention to the House Dule family carriage with their coat of arms on the doors.

Sir George noticed how the General was looking at the crowd of miners walking by and waved at them.

"It's not so bad, General Douglas. I mean, the people are just curious about our party. It's not every day that they have visitors from the Capital," Sir George reassured him.

"I know... It's just... when you have a perfect plan, and everything changes against my best interest for the prince... Well, it's disheartening, to say the least," General Douglas sighed.

The two dwarven soldiers came out to ready their carriage. This brought more attention to the group.

"Whoa! What's the deal with those dwarves? I thought they only stuck around Ironside and the surrounding areas," One man commented.

"Yeah, they normally don't travel outside of their mountain cities. They must be bringing something to the capital if they are with the Royal Knights," Another miner added.

Douglas sighed again as the crowd grew compared to last night. It was nightfall by the time they arrived in the town of Edermines City. So the locals were indoors and they didn't know the Prince was there. But since they were in a carriage with House Dule's coat of arms, the local guards took notice and it was only a matter of time before they reported it to the mayor. Luckily, Johan met with the mayor of the town so they could keep the prince's location a secret. And now that it was morning the townsfolk were starting to take notice that a noble was in their quiet town.

"We need to get going when His Highness comes out. I don't want to have a crowd of the townsfolk surrounding him when we leave," Douglas said to Sir George.

"Yes, General," Sir George saluted.

Just as they were about to finish their conversation, the door to the inn opened up, and a beautiful green-haired woman, wearing her dark green dress that didn't hide how voluptuous her body was, came walking out in a hurry.

"Sir George, do you know if there's a nursery nearby!? I need to buy some potted plants immediately," Yuliana demanded.

Douglas just raised his hands in surrender as the wood elf came barging out in the open with no cloak on. Thanks to the wood elf, all the townsfolk could see her pointy ears, and he knew they were done with keeping a low profile. Yuliana crossed her arms impatiently as she waited for an answer.

"W-Why do you need a nursery, again? And why do you want potted plants?" Sir George asked.

"Because! My daughter can use the green word! And I need to train her before she tries to weasel her way out of it. That is why I need to visit a nursery, now please!" Yuliana stated.

"I don't know of any nursery stores around here, milady," Sir George answered.

Yuliana turned to the General with sad pleading eyes, "General Douglas, please... I need to teach my daughter. It's not safe for her if she doesn't know how to use her birthright? I... I..." she said as she put her hands together in a praying motion.

"Milady, I understand, but I don't know of a nursery store in the area. I can send a man to scout one out for you, but I'm not letting you walk around this village. It isn't wise at this moment," Douglas answered.

But Yuliana started to tear up and his heart sank a little then she pouted, "Please, sir! Please..."

The General was starting to break under her plea and he felt his iron resolve melt away. But he stood strong, "I can't, milady. I am in command, and my mission is to escort the prince to the capital."

Yuliana looked down sadly and let her arms fall to her sides. That's when a couple of the townsfolk came in after they eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Excuse me, Miss. Are you asking about a nursery?" A young woman asked her.

"Y-Yes," Yuliana said quietly.

"Oh, okay. There's a plant nursery just two blocks away. It's owned by the Sanchez family. And they sell flowers, seeds, and even potted plants," The young woman answered.

Yuliana's mood brightened and she smiled, "Really? That's wonderful. I'll pay a visit right away. Thank you."

"Milady!... You shouldn't go there alone," Douglas interjected.

"No need to worry, I'm almost older than all of you combined. And I can take care of myself. Thank you again, Miss," Yuliana thanked her as she bowed.

"Umm, no problem," The young woman was blushing as she spoke. As this was her first time talking to a wood elf.

"Damn, it's Mr. Brown," Douglas muttered, "Lord Johan, you're up!" The General said in a hushed voice.

"But Lord Johan! You didn't mention that His Highness was here. Or his party!" Mr. Brown exclaimed.

"And what if I had? Would you have tried to hinder us somehow?" Johan asked with a knowing look.

"N-No!? Oh course not... Hahaha, R-Right Jarvis? I wouldn't try something like that, right?" Mr. Brown said sheepishly.

Jarvis just rolled his eyes and nodded, "Yes, milord. He wouldn't dream of it."

"Listen... Mr. Brown... I'm sure the prince would have loved to have a feast with the people, but he is on a very important mission and can't afford to stay in one place for long. His Highness is needed back in the capital and he wished not to disturb your townsfolk. So, we didn't inform you. It's that simple. Now, we have a long journey ahead, and I don't want to make it longer by arguing with you," Johan stated.

"But we were hoping to get funding, for an aqueduct, approved by your father, within this year? We fear that it might be delayed until next year at this rate. But if his Highness could write him a letter on our behalf. I'm sure he will approve it sooner," Mr. Brown asked.

"I told you that you will get your water project approved by next year. The farmers are getting them first," Johan informed him.

"But your father isn't here! A-And the prince is! I-If he could find it in his heart to at least think about it," Mr. Brown insisted.

"Johan! Tell him that I'll talk to your father in a month's time! We have to leave," Quinus ordered from inside the carriage.

"Hear that? His Highness will discuss it with my father and I will as well. If I were you, I'd start making preparations," Johan stated.

"Thank you, Lord Johan and Your Highness. It is an honor to be blessed by your presence," Mr. Brown said happily.

The mayor and his staff bowed as Johan hurried into the carriage.

"Okay, His Highness is secure. We are leaving," Douglas roared to everyone and the driver took the reigns and led the carriages to the gates. While all the knights on horseback made a perimeter around the carriages. The crowd was slowly following the caravan as they started to wave to the prince.

"Well, that went better than expected," Quinus said.

"Agreed. But we should be wary of any spies following us. I'm sure your uncle knows where we are. And the other kingdoms would be interested in the whereabouts of our group," Johan advised as he sat next to his wife, who was smiling at him.

Dalia sniffed the air, "Well, someone had a good night's sleep."

"Hehe, yeah. I slept like a baby," Tayna giggled as she rested her head on her husband's shoulder.

"General, we're ready," the driver announced.

"Let's move out!" Douglas ordered.

"Sir, yes, sir!" the knights shouted and the carriages moved on their way to the capital. They were hoping to make it to Eldermyst City by nightfall.

***

As the convoy started to leave the town. Two hooded men were waiting to see when the prince's convoy was departing. The older man had short brown hair, a trimmed beard, and a scar over his left eye. He was wearing a leather chest plate with leather bracers and pants.

"Finally, they're moving! Looks like they're heading down Eldridge Road. Looks like they aren't taking any detours," the older man stated.

"Good! I'll get the horses so we can meet up with, Alac," the younger man stated. He was tall with black hair and had a lean muscular build.

"Aye, Cyril. I'll stop at the next fork in the road and make sure they're not splitting up," the older man instructed.

"Got it, Mast. I'll catch up with you after I report back to the boss," Cyril said before he ran off.

The older man nodded and hurried to his horse, which was saddled up and waiting for him. He rode off to the next fork in the road to make sure the prince's convoy stayed on Eldridge Road instead of taking a detour through Red Griffin Drive.

For they needed to ambush the convoy to kill Lord Johan.